News stories
Triple ban over neglect of Lucan
Magistrates in Norfolk this week banned three men from keeping animals after their mistreatment of a horse now living at Redwings.
Lucan, as he has been named, was found in a field alongside the Acle Straight near Great Yarmouth last year. The RSPCA attended and found the 14hh strawberry roan colt was pitifully thin and so lame that a vet was immediately called out to examine him. He was taken into the possession of the authorities on welfare grounds and transported to the Redwings horse hospital in Norfolk to begin urgent treatment.
Lucan as he looked when found (Pic: RSPCA)
Redwings vet and Head of Welfare Nic de Brauwere said: “Lucan was very underweight and riddled with worms and lice. He was suffering with severe mud fever on his hind leg and was very lame in a front leg. What was even more distressing to witness was his behaviour – he was extremely uncomfortable on his feet when walking and even when standing still he was shaking and contorted in an effort to save himself from the pain. This level of suffering is not something we see very often.”
Three men from Yarmouth, Diss and Essex were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering at Yarmouth Magistrates Court on Tuesday 8th March. The owner Kenneth Shaw from Essex was banned from keeping any animals for ten years, while two other men enlisted to look after the colt on his behalf were also banned from keeping animals for periods of ten and five years.
Inspector John Jenkins of the RSPCA said: "Bans are extremely important as they safeguard the future welfare of animals and should make people aware of their responsibilities when they are looking after or caring for animals.”
Lucan as he looks now at Redwings!
Nic said: “We are grateful that Lucan’s future is now secure. This result sends a strong message to all owners that they must ensure their animals are being cared for properly even when they are not doing the work themselves. If you trust someone else to care for your animal, make sure they understand what that involves and that they are knowledgeable enough to do so. As the owner you are still ultimately responsible for making sure your horse’s needs are being met.”
Lucan is still in our care and has made a full recovery. Conformation issues mean he may never be able to be ridden but he will have a secure home at the Sanctuary for the rest of his days and if appropriate he could even be re-homed as a companion pony through the Redwings Guardianship Scheme - watch this space!
Lucan at Redwings
